Questions and help on amp recommendation

psyence4

New member
Hi everyone, I am currently using a Digitech RP350 multi-effects pedal and a Marshall 15CDR for practice. I'm thinking of changing amps as I only use the clean channel on this amp (which is barely passable).

I play mostly rock, instrumental and some metal (X Japan, if that counts) but I don't want a harsh metal tone. I'd prefer an amp with a warmer tone which should also take pedals well and be more responsive to picking dynamics and harmonics.

I was using a Roland Cube 30, I thought that the rectfier model was too scooped and harsh for me and the metal model was ok but there wasn't enough gain on that. I finally ended up using the black panel setting as a clean channel to amplify the output of my RP350 (it's a full DSP amp modelling/effects pedal) and it sounded pretty decent. Only problem was that the tone sounded quite sterile (since both the RP350 and Cube are DSP). Finally sold it as it seemed to troublesome to bring back from the US to change the power source. I wouldn't want get a Cube again since I'd be only using the black panel channel and the effects on it are pretty useless.

I have a few related questions.

1) Should I invest in a tube amp if I am playing at slightly higher than bedroom volume

2) If I stick with my multieffects and invest in a tube amp, is it worth it? Or should I start building a pedalboard if I get a tube amp.

Also I would appreciate any amp recommendations, budget is about 400 or so for SS amp and 700 for tube (i don't know tube amp prices). A good clean channel and ability to take pedals is most important, good distortion is a plus but the lack of it is okay.

Thanks!!
 
A tube amp, powered 1W and above will be too loud for bedroom practice.

But based on your assessment, I would look towards something like the fender blues jr, because you need cleans.
 
Yeap I went to look at the pathfinder 15R today it sounds pretty good except the lack of a mid equaliser and the amp sounding a bit too harsh fuzzy on higher gain. Sounds great with the RP350. Was also looking at the AC4 but then it was out of stock till further notice. Do you know how much the fender blues jr costs?
 
Should be below SGD700, I think around 680 or thereabouts. Best to call sweelee.

Personally, I will use multi-effects, but not for distortion.
For distortion and overdrive, I'd get some pedals. For other effects I don't mind using the multi effects.

Firstly, I'd start accessing what is needed.

If you're never going to bring your amp out, just get a solid state amp with good cleans. And buy pedals to work from there.

If you might bring it out for jam sessions, gigs and such, I'd look to get something that will then fit your needs in such situation.

Do bear in mind that for those who do play out, the big amps are not used at home for practice in many cases. Most of the time practice is done on low wattage SS amps.
 
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